South Africa has been left stunned by the news that one of the country’s favourite sons, Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius, has been accused of murdering his model girlfriend who was almost as much of an icon for the country as he was.

He will appear in court this morning to be charged formally. Police will oppose bail.

The man known around the world as the Blade Runner because of his high-tech artificial legs was arrested in the early hours of yesterday after 30-year-old Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead at his home.

Ms Steenkamp reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to her head and upper body at Mr Pistorius’s house in the Silver Lakes area of Pretoria, an up-market gated residential community of prosperous middle-class homes. A 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene.

The high-profile couple had been dating for only a couple of months after meeting at an awards ceremony. Although police declined formally to confirm the name of the victim yesterday, a publicist for Ms Steenkamp, Sarit Tomlinson, said in a statement the model was dead.

‘Angel on earth’

“We can confirm that Reeva Steenkamp has passed away,” she said. “We are in communication with people on the scene. Please wait for the official statements, as there is too much speculation at this moment.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time. Everyone is simply devastated. She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed,” concluded Ms Tomlinson.

Mistaken identity

When the story first broke early yesterday morning, it was reported by Afrikaans-language newspaper Beeld that Mr Pistorius had shot Ms Steenkamp after allegedly thinking she was a burglar who had gained entry to his home.

But police later said there was no sign of a forced entry, and that a 26-year-old had been taken into custody at the scene. They added they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

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The suspect, who cannot be named by police until he has been officially charged in court, was supposed to appear before a Pretoria magistrate yesterday afternoon.

However, the case was postponed until today to give state prosecutors more time to prepare their case. The accused has been remanded in custody until then.

While police have refused to name the accused, it has been widely reported by sources connected to the case that Mr Pistorius was the 26-year-old arrested.